The Autumn Fingal Business Network event took place at the Crown Plaza hotel in Santry, on the 29th of September 2023, focusing on the three "E's" which have been hot topics throughout 2023 - Employment, E-commerce, and Expansion. Host Noel Davidson of Entrepreneurs Academy was joined by four business owners for a lively panel discussion.
Prior to the official commencement of the event, attendees had the opportunity to engage in networking.
As the event commenced, Noel extended a heartfelt welcome to all, introducing both the esteemed panellists and Deirdre Carroll from LEO Fingal, who delivered an engaging opening speech. Each panel member then proceeded to share their business journey, delving into the background of their business, the challenges they encountered, their strategies for overcoming obstacles, and the driving forces that continue to inspire their perseverance.
The panel's deep dive into their businesses and their individual narratives centred around the three "E's" proved to be not only unique but also captivating for our audience. The ensuing discussion spanned a wide array of business sectors, ensuring that virtually every member of the audience could find relatability with at least one, if not all the panellists.
Following the discussion, a Q&A session ensued, facilitated via Mentimeter, with attendees also taking the opportunity to pose questions directly. The session saw a multitude of intriguing inquiries, each met with insightful responses from the panellists.
Upon conclusion, the room buzzed with animated conversations as attendees continued to network with one another. The lively discussions created such an atmosphere of camaraderie that it took some time to guide everyone to the dining area where the networking continued over lunch.
The event proved to be an outstanding success, leaving everyone in high spirits, after learning so much about what it takes to run a business and thoroughly enjoying their time in the company of like-minded businessmen and women.
Details about the Panel:
Michelle O'Keeffe - Platform 55: A multi award winning entrepreneur. Michelle established Platform55 in 2021, in this brief time they have grown revenue, increased the team, secured global enterprise contracts and are delivering globally 7 European languages. Platform55 has been recognised by the Irish Times Innovation Awards, Dublin Tech Summit start up award and by the Fingal Enterprise Awards.
David Butler - QBM: David established QBM in 2012. QBM is an independent specialist supplier of flat roofing systems to the construction industry. David has built a strong customer base over the years and is focused on meeting and exceeding customer expectations. QBM has received recognition within their industry for delivering high quality projects in the prefabricated building area.
Sandra Hickey - Milk Bath: Sandra Hickey is the female founder of award-winning Irish wellness brand Milk Bath. Former Marketing Executive & Bachelor of Commerce graduate, Sandy now balances life with four children, a busy schedule and making time for self-care. At Milk Bath, she helps you feel connected with yourself and with nature when you use her immersive natural products. From the beginning of her journey, Sandy has interacted with Fingal Local Enterprise Office for resources & support.
James Stewart - Celtic Candles: James Stewart is the director at Celtic Candles Ltd, an Irish manufacturer of candles, diffusers and associated scented products for their own two brands Celtic Apothecary and Botanicals and an extensive white label operation where they brand products for clients from design concept to fulfilment. Celtic Candles is a family business started by James' dad Gerry in 1989. They currently employ thirteen people with future expansion plans into the UK and Europe in 2024.